FAMILY BUSINESS FOR 60 YEARS

From The Gloucestershire Echo, Monday August 6th 1979.

E C WALTHAM proudly celebrate 60 years of trading in Cheltenham and District.The sale of quality products combined with efficient and personal service is the basis of success of this well-known family business

For over 100 years the premises at 5 Suffolk Parade, Cheltenham, have been in use as a butchers’ shop – and for 60 years the name of Waltham has appeared over the shop. The premises first came into the occupation of the Walthams in 1919, when the late Mr Charles Waltham bought the shop. He had served in the 1914-1918 war in the Artillery, and then worked for a time with Holliday and Page, who then had several butchers’ shops in Cheltenham.

Times were difficult when Mr Waltham first took over in Suffolk-parade for there was rationing, and he was only allowed to sell pork for some time. Eventually controls became easier, and apart from a full range of meats Mr Waltham specialised in cooked meats and became well known for his pork sausages.

M.T.A. PRESIDENT

But then came the second world war and Mr Waltham had to decide whether to continue as a manufacturing butcher or a family butcher. He chose to continue as a family butcher and the supply of sausages stopped.Mr Waltham was president of the Cheltenham and District Meat Traders’ Association, and during the war became a government grader at Andoversford and Tewkesbury markets. He was also on the allocation committee for meat during the second world war.A well-known bowler, Mr Waltham bowled for the county and was a member of the Suffolk-square club. He also won prizes for a butchers’ turn out at several shows.Mrs Waltham was a Serving Sister in the St. John Ambulance for many years.

FRESH POULTRY

When Mr Waltham died 32 years ago his son, Mr Eric Charles Waltham took over, after having worked in Evesham for H. Byrd. His mother gave up her association with the business and ran a hotel in Weymouth.These days Mr Waltham , his wife and staff have a busy time serving their many customers with all kinds of meat of the very highest quality. And, in addition, they specialise in fresh poultry and eggs and a wide selection of pet foods, as well as a selection of bacons.

PASSED EXAMS

Despite a busy life Mr Waltham still has time for what he describes as “hobbies.” He teaches technical education at the North Gloucestershire College of Technology in the Park, specialising in meat technology. His qualifications include having passed three examinations of the Institute of Meat, while he also serves on the consultative committee of food technology. Mr Waltham is a member of the Institute of Meat, and an associate member of the Royal Society of Health.